Cost of Living in Livingston, CA

With a cost of living index of 102, Livingston, CA is right around the national average in cost. Living here is 2% more expensive than the national average and 42% below the California state average of 144. Livingston is a smaller community of 14,450 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Livingston's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,281 (3% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $339,800 (11% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.5x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Livingston is $76,158, which is 1% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 20% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Livingston. The area sees an average annual temperature of 59.7°F, with summers averaging 73°F and winters around 47°F. Annual rainfall totals 10.5 inches spread over roughly 49 days.

Everyday prices in the Merced, CA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.